The Messenger Vol. 52 No. 7 July 2014

The Messenger Volume 52 No. 07 July 2014

Looking at Postmodernism in the Classroom Grace in the Old Testament 10 Baptism in the Church 12

page 6

page

page

$2.00

Editorials

Strengths of the EMC

F

irst, we trust in Scripture: “We believe that the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, are the inspired and infallible Word of God” (The Bible, Statement of Faith). Truth is a key point in our conference’s Vision Statement, as General Secretary Tim Dyck said recently.

We’re concerned about holistic ministry: “The purpose of the Conference is to glorify God by building His Kingdom. This is done by . . . proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ at home and abroad” and “ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of people” (Constitution, 20).

We’re to “oppose corruption, discrimination and injustice” and to commit ourselves to “righteousness, justice, peace and love” (Church Practices, 12-13). We believe in practical action, discipleship that has hands and feet. We are

concerned about body and soul, individual and community.

“We believe in the personal, visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ. This is the blessed hope of believers” (The Return and Final Triumph of Christ, Statement of Faith). Yet while we await Christ’s return, we’re less concerned to map out future details. For instance, our Statement of Faith lists no view, pro or con, about the millennium. This flexibility avoids unneeded division.

In polity, we’re flexible. We affirm local church autonomy yet call for interdependence and accountability among congregations.

In short, the good that we do, we do by the grace of Christ; we do it together; and we do it better because we are together.

What do you see happening within our conference?

– Terry M. Smith

In polity, we’re flexible. We believe in local church autonomy yet call for interdependence and accountability among congregations.

••

Moving beyond the plateau

W

e have several national staff members geared toward evangelism, a Church Planting Task Force, and a General Board that oversees conference direction. People give much, in part, to see the EMC grow.

Yet despite so many resources devoted to our numerical growth, the EMC has plateaued in numbers. How do we move past this?

Pray! And what else?

• The EMC properly uses its historic connections of faith, culture, and kinship as Dutch-German Mennonites arrive in Canada. More churches are needed.

• The EMC has several Hispanic churches. More are needed.

• The EMC struggles to plant churches among First Nations communities. The reasons are complex; our response, too often less complex. It is, frankly, easier to plant

2 The Messenger • July 2014

churches in other countries than in “our” backyard among people who know the underside of Canadian (church) history, but avoidance is unhelpful. What are we willing to do differently?

• To plant churches among Canadians of British and French backgrounds requires a partial strategic retooling. How prepared are we to do this?

• At times “regular” pastors get placed into a church plant—and we wonder why they struggle. To identify and train church-planting pastors is needed. Let’s pay the price.

• The EMC’s double message about culture too often excludes, conflicts with our theology, and hurts our public relations.

Strategic planning is underway in our small conference.

Because of the love of Christ and people’s needs, may it assist us to move beyond the plateau.

– Terry M. Smith

Despite so many resources devoted to our numerical growth, the EMC has plateaued in numbers. How do we move past this?

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

15 Further In and Higher Up

Postmodernism in the Classroom: How It Undermines Biblical Values – Michael Zwaagstra

10 Block: The Gospel According to Moses Shatters Preconceived Notions – Debbie Funk

12 Menno Simons wasn’t an Anabaptist – Terry M. Smith

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters and Notices

17 With Our Missionaries 22 With Our Churches 24 News 31 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

Let’s not ‘un-welcome’ children – Layton Friesen

page

15

16 An Education App

Wondering about licensing and S.S. materials?

– Terry M. Smith

20 Generations

Teens: a world [set] apart – Gerald Reimer

21 Writings Shared 30 Window on Missions Grace Thiessen: a servant of the Lord – Tim Dyck

34 Here and Far Away This wasn’t Jesus’ way – Jocelyn R. Plett

page

27

35 Stewardship Today

Grateful for modern-day Calebs – Harold Penner

36 Kids’ Corner

Who are you?

– Loreena Thiessen

page

30

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger

Letters and Notices

Volume 52 No. 7 July 2014

What does the Bible say about cremation?

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

The Messenger is the monthly publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public.

Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

Single copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing activities.

Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 10– Oct. 2014 issue (copy due Aug. 08)

4 The Messenger • July 2014

Regarding Is cremation the way to go?

by Layton Friesen (Jan.). It presented some ideas to ponder. It reminded me of a study I did of what the Bible says about cremation.

Ezekiel 28:18-19. “By your many sins … you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground. …you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.”

Isaiah 33:12. “The people will be burned as if to lime.”

2 Peter 2:6-7. “He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.”

Amos 2:1 “I will not turn back my wrath. Because he burned as if to lime the bones of Edom’s king, I will send fire upon Moab.” (This verse indicates

God’s displeasure that the King was cremated.)

1 Samuel 31:12-13. “They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them.

Then they took their bones and buried them.” This reference was the only reference I found where there was no negative expression of cremation (likely done to prevent further abuse of the bodies), but even here it was only a partial cremation and the bones were buried first at Jabesh and later in the tomb of Saul’s father at Kish (2 Sam. 21:14).

Burial is a symbol of putting a body to rest until the resurrection and cremation is a symbol of end of life and judgment.

– Kathy Cornelsen Rosenort, Man.

Hear the news about SBC? The EMC Board of Church Ministries provides a subsidy for EMCers who study fulltime at SBC. Contact Gerald Reimer, conference youth minister, for details (204-3266401, greimer@emconf.ca).

Guidelines for letters Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. It can refuse publication.

Letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address.

For letters by e-mail, the writer’s name and e-mail address are deemed to be an electronic signature. The writer’s regular postal address is to be included in e-mail correspondence.

The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld. Letters to the editor are to be 250 words or less.

Letters and Notices Compassion and equal justice I give herewith comments on “The New Evangelical Way Of (not) Arguing” by Dr. John Stackhouse [Jan. 2014].

The theme has strong taboo, past and present. When the phrase “nor homosexual” (1 Cor. 6:9 RSV) and Romans 1 “God gave them up” are combined as being in the present perfect infinitive case and apply these as exclusive to homosexuals, we get a theology. Hereby they are not within God’s grace. Herein John 3:16-17 and the second commandment are waived.

The more common theology is that the homosexual can receive the grace of God if he/she renounces or/and denies the direction of his/her sexual polarity; then, the church dictates celibacy as the only option within God’s grace.

By these scriptures, Rev. 22:18-19 and Matt. 23, I don’t see the fit.

The article has a bias toward “straights” and is miscued about Christ’s teaching on the other. His Bible reference begs to ask, what item of law did Christ miss to fulfill? Christ

supersedes Lev 20:13.

The article seems to miss the references showing some “vulgar liberalism” and compassion and equal justice by Christ. So here are a few Bible references: Matt. 5:17, 20, 28, 30; Matt. 10:14-15; Matt. 11:21-24; Matt. 12:30-32; Matt. 23:1-37; Rom. 2:1-8; Rev. 1:8, 16; Rev. 2:12-17; Rev 22:12-17; Rev 22:18-19; John 3:16-17; John 6:28-29.

– David Penner Winnipeg, Man.

Redress sought from Canadian companies Thank you for publishing our article about the Open for Justice campaign in the latest issue [May] of The Messenger. We appreciate this.

I just want to make a brief comment on your editorial, “Being fair [while talking about the Oil Patch].”

It is great to solicit the opinions of people, both within and apart from industry on issues relating to corporate accountability.

I just want to point out that the Open for Justice campaign is specifically related to the international operations of Canadian companies—it is not about the operations of companies within Canada’s borders. Resident Canadians have a variety of mechanisms with which to address the behaviours of companies operating in Canada.

However, people in other countries do not have ways of seeking

redress from Canadian companies who harm them, their communities and their natural environment. This is what the Open for Justice campaign aims to correct.

Thanks again for publishing our article.

– Esther Epp-Tiessen Ottawa Office Public Engagement Coordinator, MCC Canada

of thanks, one by Anne Moore and another by Janice Imrie, and another encouragement to exercise “grace and patience” by Ruth Penner. I am sure their common theme was purely coincidental, but I was impressed these ladies found the “silver lining” in their respective clouds. As a man, I may well have chosen to dogmatically continue to pound the pulpit.

Another observation that developed my interest: Some further quotes: one from Ruth Penner’s comments: “…we all base our belief on scripture. Interpretation of scripture

is where we differ. All of us have to admit that our interpretations change over time.” Another from Dr Arley Loewen’s article: “ Christians have used different illustrations to try and explain the concept of three-in-one.”

And, finally, a third from Dr. Maurice Martin’s article: “Truth is stranger than it used to be. How we express our faith has changed … we can wring our hands….”

Do you see what I see? I’m challenged by what I see—and there’s more!

– Sid Reimer St. Norbert, Man.

Challenged by what he sees I admit I read The Messenger in stages—and I read practically all of—most of the time. First the letters section, then the news reports (those with pictures), then the editorials (sorry, Mr. Smith), and finally the guest articles—the latter on interest or discouragement measured by the title and the early appearance of theological grand standing (unfortunately, most are too long).

However, the May issue seemed to contain a nice mix of interesting items and as a result an enjoyable read. For example: two healthy expressions

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

Postmodernism in the Classroom: How It Undermines Biblical Values

ISTOCK

by Michael Zwaagstra

6 The Messenger • July 2014

W

hen most Christians raise concerns about public education, they tend to focus on practices that directly conflict with biblical values. Explicit sex education, moral relativism, lax discipline policies, and open hostility to Christianity are some of the most commonly cited concerns.

While these are all valid concerns, they are symptoms of a much deeper problem. In fact, public schools are infected with a philosophy that runs counter to the values of most parents, even those who do not subscribe to any religious faith.

This philosophy goes by many names, but is perhaps best known as postmodernism. In its purest form, postmodernism claims it’s impossible to know or convey objective truth.

Educators who describe themselves as “progressive” tend to be most heavily influenced by postmodern philosophy.

The Danger of Postmodernism

Infects Educational Philosophy

At the beginning of the twentieth century John Dewey, a professor at Columbia Teachers College and signatory of the original Humanist Manifesto, argued that more “hands-on learning” needed to take place in schools. This led many of his disciples, most notably William Kilpatrick, to conclude that a “childcentered” and “projectbased” learning approach that focuses on process rather than content is the best approach.

Ironically, Dewey himself felt his disciples took some of his ideas too far.

But by this point the progressive approach took on a life of its own as it came to dominate virtually all education faculties.

In 1996 E. D. Hirsch, Jr., an English professor at the University of Virginia, authored a book called The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them. In his book Hirsch documented the many ways in which the public education system emphasizes the so-called process of learning, but downplays the importance of specific content knowledge. Critics of Hirsch generally respond, not by claiming his depiction is wrong, but rather by defending their antiknowledge approach.

This is something I’ve experienced firsthand. Sometime ago I spoke to faculty of education students and professors at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. During my presentation I emphasized the importance of content in the curriculum and argued for a sharper focus on basic skills. ➢

Instead of acquiring content knowledge, students spend a lot of time on self-discovery projects that fail to teach them the essential ideas and facts in math, social studies, and science.

Many writers have identified postmodernism as a threat to the Christian Church. This is not surprising since postmodernism’s denial of absolute truth runs directly counter to the many truth statements contained in Scripture.

Among other things, the Bible proclaims that God created the world (Gen. 1:1), sin is the cause of death (Rom. 5:12), and Jesus rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:4). These are but a few of the key biblical doctrines that cannot be altered

DESIGNPICS

without undermining the basis for our faith.

Although postmodernists often claim their ideas are new, they really aren’t. When Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, he sowed doubt by asking whether God really meant what He said (Gen. 3:1). Similarly, modern-day postmodernists claim that the author’s intent doesn’t matter and all individuals can construct their own meaning.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

A current philosophy is that “a teacher should be a guide on the side rather than a sage on the stage.” These books offer a different view.

Immediately after my presentation an education professor and a doctoral student delivered a formal response. Incredibly, they both denied the importance of content knowledge and explicitly stated that there is no one piece of knowledge that everyone should have in common. They argued that the content of the curriculum is irrelevant since it is allegedly impossible for us to agree on what knowledge should be required.

It is revealing, however, that virtually all progressive educators don’t follow their own advice when trying to convince teachers to adopt their methodologies.

Postmodernism in the Curriculum

Progressives dislike any instruction that involves so-called rote learning or drill and practice.

Hence, they oppose the use of phonics in the teaching of reading and advocate something called whole language.

Phonics teaches students to sound out the individual letters in words, while whole language encourages students to guess the words by looking at pictures and the surrounding context.

Whole language had its origins in the early twentieth century, although its most recent manifestation surfaced in the mid-1980s.

Even though multiple research studies throughout the years demonstrated the

8 The Messenger • July 2014

superiority of the phonics approach, whole language became dominant in public schools.

Fortunately, educators gradually came to realize that the wholesale abandonment of phonics instruction was a mistake. While most schools have since incorporated some phonics in reading instruction, whole language still has far more influence than it should.

We see a similar methodology reflected in the current approach to teaching mathematics.

Instead of learning basic skills in a sequential, step-by-step manner, progressives want students to invent their own way of answering math questions.

Thus we have math textbooks that fail to show students the most efficient way to solve a problem and curriculum guides that no longer require students to memorize their multiplication facts. The result is an increasingly large number of students who cannot do basic math upon graduating high school.

The same dilution of the curriculum can be seen in subjects such as social studies and science. Instead of acquiring content knowledge, students spend a lot of time on self-discovery projects that fail to teach them the essential ideas and facts in these important fields.

De-emphasizing the Teacher’s Role

Because postmodernism encourages students to construct their own knowledge, it logically leads to a de-emphasis on the teacher’s role in the classroom. One of the most common sayings in education faculties is that “a teacher should be a

guide on the side rather than a sage on the stage.” This means that teachers should not spend a lot of time in front of their class lecturing, but should rather be on the side helping students discover things for themselves.

It is revealing, however, that virtually all progressive educators don’t follow their own advice when trying to convince teachers to adopt their methodologies. For example, Alfie Kohn, one of the strongest advocates of the “guide on the side” approach, gives dozens of lectures every year trying to persuade teachers not to lecture.

Why does he not abandon the lecture format when it is apparently so ineffective?

instruction (Prov. 22:6), discipline (Prov. 19:18), and a willingness to accept guidance (Prov. 13:1).

Like all of us, children have a sinful nature, and it is the height of folly to assume they can be left on their own to set their own learning goals.

What Should We Do?

For those who remain in the public system, whether by necessity or by choice, it is important to remember that not all schools are equally infected by postmodernism. Many teachers still use traditional methods of instruction and some even support biblical values. Parents will need to use discernment when determining how trusting they can be of their local public school.

We would all be wise to follow the advice of the apostle Paul: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8, ESV).

One reason the progressive approach fails so miserably is that it contradicts human nature.

The reason is obvious. Kohn has only a short time to convey his ideas, and he realizes that the most effective way of doing it is in a formal presentation that he has composed and organized. It is ironic that purveyors of the progressive approach regularly use traditional methods when promoting their ideas.

One reason the progressive approach fails so miserably is that it contradicts human nature. Children need clear

Michael Zwaagstra, BEd, PBCE, MEd, is a high school teacher, city councillor, adult Sunday School teacher at Evangelical Fellowship Church (Steinbach, Man.) and co-author of the book, What’s Wrong With Our Schools and How We Can Fix Them (Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2010).

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

SBC

Block: The Gospel According to Moses Shatters Preconceived Notions

by Debbie Funk

O

n April 4 to 5, the 2014 SBC Leadership Conference brought about 200 church leaders together at the SBC campus with 15 different satellite locations from places in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Belize joining the sessions.

This year’s conference was a great place to discover how easily our traditions can prejudice our understanding of scripture. The main speaker was Dr. Daniel Block of Wheaton College.

He demonstrated how exciting the book of Deuteronomy can be in understanding the grace of God. One could see the incredible passion he had for God’s Word. By the end of the fourth session, it was easy to catch that same passion.

In the first session Dr. Block began by noting that many have seen Deuteronomy as one of the least interesting books to study that contains mainly a bunch of laws that we don’t follow any longer. And then he proceeded to shatter all those preconceived notions.

One preconceived notion is that Torah is generally interpreted as “law” when a better definition could be “instruction.” Deuteronomy is really Moses’ teaching through three sermons.

One preconceived notion is that Torah is generally interpreted as “law” when a better definition could be “instruction.”

10 The Messenger • July 2014

The Grace of Salvation

Each of the four sessions dealt with a different aspect of grace as discovered in Deuteronomy.

Session one looked at the grace of salvation.

The synopsis was given as “God’s people are a privileged people, they have been graciously redeemed, and set apart as his special treasure, his holy covenant people.”

Not only does God save Israel from the slavery of Egypt, he demonstrates a personal encounter with them as the Living Lord of the universe. It displays the question “has any god dared to do what Israel’s God has done?”

The Grace of Covenant

Session two looked at the grace of covenant.

“With the privileges of salvation and covenant relationship come the call for a righteous response, demonstrated in joyful obedience to the Saviour and Lord.” An interesting thought considered in this session was that instead of describing God as jealous, a better word is “passion.” God’s people are his treasure and he does not want other gods messing with that treasure.

An examination of Deut. 6:5 shows that loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength includes our whole being from the inside to the outside leaving nothing left over for other gods.

The Grace of Law

The grace of law was the title for the third session. Its synopsis was “in contrast to

other peoples, whose gods were silent, the LORD has graciously revealed his will.

Indeed, knowledge of the will of God is a supreme privilege.”

Block read an ancient prayer of someone who wanted to appease a god he did not know for an offense he was not sure he committed and so had no idea of how to obey this unknown god.

Israel had a God who gave them his law so they would know his will and know that they were his

Israel had a God who gave them his law so they would know his will and know that they were his redeemed people. redeemed people. The passage of Deut. 4 shows a consistency with the witness of all scripture in that Yahweh’s gracious saving actions yields the fruit of a redeemed people who yield the fruit of righteous deeds that yield the fruit of divine blessing.

The Grace of Fellowship

Session four was a great way to end the Conference as Dr. Block discussed the grace of fellowship. The synopsis for this session was “in contrast to other peoples, whose worship is concerned primarily with satisfying the gods. YHWH, the God of Israel, delights in fellowship with his people, and he invited them to feast and celebrate in his presence.”

An examination of the food laws in the Old Testament indicates a connection with the sacrifices as worship to God where the Israelites came together as a family. Jesus came as the divine host and also gave himself as the table fare, taking the place of those sacrifices.

After participating in this conference, one could not help but to come away with a greater

appreciation of our gracious God. We were reminded that worshipping and obeying him is more of a privilege than a burden. And perhaps the greatest lesson is that we can be assured that the God of the New Testament is the same God in the Old Testament.

This is a brief look at the four sessions and does not really do it justice. To more hear about what Dr. Block shared, full video sessions can be purchased from SBC’s website at sbcollege.ca.

It is always a joy to attend these conferences.

Meeting together with other leaders, enjoying the fellowship and food during the breaks, the coffee house and lunch continue to build relationships between the various churches.

The sessions give much food for thought. And this year’s conference did not disappoint in those areas. SBC did a great job of hosting with great facilities and incredible food. The SBC Leadership Conference continues to be a highlight and well worth the effort.

Debbie Funk, MA (Theological Studies), is the editor of the Chortitzer Chronicle.

This article was produced for the Tri-Con Editors' Group.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

Menno Simons wasn’t an Anabaptist

by Terry M. Smith

M

enno Simons was not an Anabaptist. He saw that term, meaning rebaptizer, as an “inane slur” (Complete Writings, 570). It was a description he and other early leaders rejected. Why? He and others held that when people were baptized on confession of faith, even if they had been previously baptized in infancy, it was baptism for the first time.

All parts of Christ’s Church consider rebaptism to be inappropriate. Some Anabaptists have taken it to be the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” (Mark 3:2829). While I suggest that this misunderstands to what Jesus refers, it does, at least, take the act of baptism seriously.

The Radical Reformers saw baptism as an unrepeatable act. Among spiritual descendants of the Radical Reformers, there is, though, controversy about when and how baptism is properly done and what constitutes rebaptism.

case-by-case basis for membership without baptism upon confession of faith.

How do we respond to this? One choice is to not ask what a person’s confession was at the time of their baptism. A policy or an informal practice of don’t ask, don’t tell would be, however, a curious twist on our Radical Reformation heritage. Baptism involves a pledge that an infant cannot make, nor can parents on their behalf (1 Pet. 3:21).

There is a clear difference between believer baptism and infant baptism.

There is, as well, a sharp difference between believer baptism and adult baptism.

When dealing with membership transfers, pastors

For the maximum amount of witness and education, baptism is best carried out during the regular service of worship. For the same reason, I favour baptisms being held throughout the year.

When does baptism properly occur? Some churches affirm infant baptism, but we do not agree. If baptism by pouring is proper, then to be immersed later is rebaptism. If we are baptized upon confession of faith within one branch of the Church, to be baptized within another is rebaptism.

Today we are properly concerned about inter-church relationships. In one response, union churches exist in England where people can become members without baptism on confession of faith. Similarly, the Evangelical Free Church of Canada does not require baptism for membership, perhaps partly reflecting a history traced back to Scandinavia where Free Churches existed in the shadow of powerful state Lutheran churches. In some Anabaptist churches, local exceptions are made on a

12 The Messenger • July 2014

DREAMSTIME

The Practice of Rebaptism

Here lived, taught and died Menno Simons modestly, piously, and quietly.

(His dates are usually considered to be 1496-1561.)

Radical Reformers saw a personal response to Christ as a critical element in baptism. It might be inconvenient today in some circles to expect this, but it was even less convenient in the 16th century.

DESIGNPICS

The Modes of Baptism

are to relate sensitively to candidates when discerning what their past baptism meant within their spiritual journey.

Need a person be spiritually mature, have the assurance of salvation, or have a well-informed faith before they are baptized?

Far from it. When Philip talked with the official from Ethiopia and baptized him (Acts 8), he focused on the heart of our faith: Christ and what he has done for us. Baptism marks the start of discipleship, not maturity.

What is central is that baptism recognizes Christ’s call of grace and involves a person’s voluntary response. If a person is baptized simply because it was expected at a certain age, by parental decision or pressure, or in order to marry, legitimate Anabaptist concerns can be raised about the adequacy of such an act. Early

Some members who were baptized by pouring might feel immersion advocates view their baptism as second-rate; on the other hand, some members might hold that those who choose immersion are out of touch with the conference’s earlier practice. It is unfortunate when proponents of a particular mode implicitly discuss upon which tier they reside within our EM Conference.

In my baptismal practice, I have poured upon and immersed exactly the same number of people, but doing the math is easier when you’ve only baptized two people. Arlyn van Enns, an EMC minister who serves in northern Alberta, has accommodated both modes in his ministry and says that both modes were affirmed in the early second-century Christian manual Didache (Teaching), written long before the Anabaptist movement (Both modes of baptism used, July 24, 2002).

The earliest Baptists of English background practiced believer baptism by pouring; their adoption of immersion came a bit later. In 1525 Anabaptists in Switzerland held their first baptisms by pouring and Dutch leader Menno Simons said baptism involved “a handful of water.”

Early Anabaptists occasionally practiced immersion and their persecutors drowned some of them in a mocking attempt to make the punishment fit the crime.

The EMC ministerial years ago affirmed both pouring and immersion as appropriate modes for baptism. No single mode of baptism captures all shades of biblical truth and the use of both modes assists in our baptismal teaching as a conference. This is part of the wisdom behind our current conference practice. It seems pastorally wise, then, to cease to promote pouring or immersion as more Anabaptist or EMC. ➢

Baptism, by whatever mode, is a personal, yet corporate step of faith involving membership in the Body of Christ, both locally and universally. Let’s not settle for less.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

It is, further, consistent with our conference position that we honour an individual candidate’s mode preference. This means, in practical terms, that our church buildings be equipped to handle both modes.

For the maximum amount of witness and education, baptism is best carried out during the regular service of worship where newcomers and other people at various points on their journey are present; the drawback of a special time or location (unless you’re Pansy Chapel with a creek right nearby) is that fewer people are present to see the commitments being made to Christ and his Church. For the same reasons of witness and education, I favour baptisms being held throughout the year, rather than reserved for Easter or warmer weather.

The Christian Church exists because Christ is reshaping the human community to the glory of God (1 Cor. 12:13).

Baptism and Church Membership

If people want to be baptized upon confession of faith in Christ and yet not become part of Christ’s Church locally as well as universally, the question can be asked whether they are ready for baptism. Baptism is membership.

Baptism is a new Christian’s basic act of identification, union, and accountability. The clumsiness of EMC church polity—to baptize and then to extend the right hand of fellowship—gives the misimpression that we can be linked to Christ

RESPONDING REBUILDING RESTORING

without being linked to His Church.

I agree with Edwin Friesen, our then conference pastor, who wrote years ago in these pages that when a person joins a team, they put on the team’s jersey. Similarly, “to belong to the Head,” he said, “but not to the Body seems disjointed” (In Touch, April 19, 1991).

Yes, indeed, how can we be linked to Christ the Head without being part of his Body? Aren’t the Head and the Body connected? And if we are a part of His Body, how can we disassociate ourselves from other parts of His Body?

As is often said, individuals will find their human community somewhere—on the job, in a bar, at a sporting event. For a Christian, the Church is to be that place. We are a part of a new creation, not just a new individual (2 Cor. 5:21 NRSV).

The Christian Church exists because Christ is reshaping the human community to the glory of God (1 Cor. 12:13). By coming into the world, Christ intended to save the whole created order, the cosmos (John 3:16), limited only by people’s responses. Baptism is a corporate act—one carried out by the Body of Christ—not just the act of an individual.

Within the Church, baptism is that jersey.

It is a sacramentum, an oath of allegiance of a soldier in service. Roland Armour, a Baptist minister, looked at the 16th century Anabaptist practice of baptism and found it, similarly to the Lord’s Supper, to be an act of covenant among believers because of Christ.

Baptism, by whatever mode, is a personal, yet corporate step of faith involving membership in the Body of Christ both locally and universally. Let’s be careful as believers, leaders, and members not to settle for less. The baptismal covenant we expect and make reflects on the type of churches and conference we are and will become.

Terry M. Smith is executive secretary to the EMC Board of Church Ministries, To find out how you can which has responsibilities in help bring people home: Christian education. He was call raised in the United Church, 1-866 866--261 261--1274 baptized in a Baptist church, or go online is an ordained EMC minister, mds.mennonite.net and has served as a pastor.

14 The Messenger • July 2014

Columns • Further In and Higher Up

Let’s not ‘un-welcome’ children

I

by Layton Friesen

DESIGNPICS

n last month’s episode I suggested that a child dedication ceremony could be seen as the welcome of the unsuspecting infant into the congregation’s school of baptism. Now I make the simple suggestion that having welcomed children, we not ask them to leave.

For example, should kids be un-welcomed from the sermon? In the church I attend, my 14-year-old is regularly dismissed for the sermon. There have been many sermons I wished she had heard. Good preaching is great for kids.

And preachers should not be trusted who do not need to think about children in sermon preparation. They can get away with too much.

But if children are to grasp the mystery that is the bride of Christ they also need to hear poor preaching. Flannery O’Connor said, “It is easy for any child to pick out the faults in the sermon on his way home from Church every Sunday. It is impossible for him to find out the hidden love that makes a man, in spite of his intellectual limitations, his neuroticism, his own lack of strength, give up his life to the service of God’s people, however bumblingly he may go about it.”

To only permit children into the congregation’s life when it’s riveting prevents them from seeing the truth that the Church is not the body of Christ because she is exciting or relevant— the Church is the body of Christ because Christ loves her. Period.

Should children be dismissed from funerals? They are needed there. The last funeral I went to there were only a few grandchildren to be seen. A funeral (especially for someone to whom they are not deeply attached) is a time for children to see the face of death, to see grown-ups grieving, to be a comfort to their fellow church-members, and to know firsthand the glory of the resurrection.

Let the little children come to weddings.

Here the congregation teaches the permanence of love, family, and marriage. Here we look on calmly as two people recklessly abandon themselves to each other for good. And then the community feasts together and roars at

the funny story about when Jerry fell out of his truck. I would hope children in the church attend many weddings before their own.

Children are needed in home-group meetings where grown-ups have conversation about Colossians and pray for Lisa who has depression again. We need their sopranos when the group goes to Sunset Haven to sing hymns for Mrs. Sanderson. And when two or three gather in the chapel on Saturday morning to pray (or to clean the baseboards), there should be children kneeling too.

Children’s ministry is also important, but faith is more caught than taught. Children become Christian adults by being under-foot and watching grown-ups live their love of Christ with the church. Children should not grasp everything they see and hear at church—but then neither should adults.

I am worried that having taught children that sermons, funerals, weddings, Bible studies, and prayer meetings are not for them, they will grow up to believe it. But perhaps my greatest worry is that we dismiss children from church because we have become bored and kindly wish to spare our kids the tedium.

I am worried that having taught children that sermons, funerals, weddings, Bible studies, and prayer meetings are not for them, they will grow up to believe it.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Columns • An Education App

Wondering about licensing and S. S. materials?

Q. Does our local EMC church need to purchase its own music license?

A. Yes, the conference license only covers music use at regional and national events, not your local church.

Q. Does our local EMC church need to purchase its own video license?

by Terry M. Smith

Q. Why didn’t you tell us about this before?

A. For years the Christian Education Update has included this information; it has been sent to EMC churches for years.

A. It depends. If the specific film title is covered

by Audio Cine Films (check its website), your local church is covered and the answer is no. But if the film is not covered, the church would either not use the film or would have to purchase a license from another supplier.

Q. Why didn’t you tell us about this before?

A. For years the Christian Education Update has included this information; it has been sent to EMC churches for years. The June 2014 edition was sent in multiple copies for pastors, S.S. superintendents, and other leaders.

Q. Does our local EMC church need to purchase its own CCVL?

A. If it wants one, yes. ACF’s license and CCVL are not the same.

Q. Our local church livestreams our services, including music, beyond our building. Do we need a live streaming music license?

A. Yes, according to our information. The conference has purchased one for its regional and national use, but this does not cover local churches.

Q. Our church recently purchased a film license from Audio Cine Films in order to show a movie. What should we do?

A. Try to recover the money. The EMC purchases a denominational license each year, which covers your church for films covered by ACF (not all are). One of our churches did get a fee refunded.

Q. Our Sunday School superintendent, teachers, and pastors wish they knew about Anabaptist study materials to help with teaching or preaching. What’s available?

A. The Christian Education Update, sent to your church, seeks to list EMC and other materials to be of service. The list is, of course, incomplete.

We hope the copies of the Update are distributed among your leaders for maximum benefit to your congregation.

Q. Is there an Anabaptist S.S. curriculum for ages three through grade eight?

A. Check out Shine: Living in God’s Light, available for fall 2014. According to its description, “The material is based on a three-year overview of the Bible, with a separate Bible outline for early childhood (ages three to five). Sessions include an emphasis on teaching prayer and other spiritual practices, and will highlight peace themes in the Scriptures. Shine is co-published

by Brethren Press and MennoMedia” (www. mennomedia.org).

Q. Where can we find a quarterly study for adults or teens?

A. Consider the EMC’s Follow Me: Exploring More of Our Calling as Christians. It’s a thirteenlesson study guide on biblical themes of social justice that looks at current issues. Congregations have benefited from it. Because production costs have been recouped, the booklets are free except for mailing costs.

Q. Will the EMC produce other materials?

A. Yes. Requests are welcome.

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca

16 The Messenger • July 2014

With Our Missionaries

Giving to the ‘least of these’

ANGELA KRUSE

ETHIOPIA

When a malnourished child is brought to my front door, I admit that my heart drops. By the time this happens, it is usually after the family has visited the witchdoctor, a clinic or two, and has no real hope left.

Malnourishment is often brought on as a result of being weaned abruptly because a newborn enters the family.

The mother’s love and care for the infant takes priority over the one- or two-year-old whose nutrition begins to decline. Families who have goats or cows would be able to continue giving that child much needed milk, but such families are few.

The situation worsens when a mother dies in childbirth.

This was the case with the little boy who came to my door.

Not only did his mother die shortly after his birth, but his father had died six months earlier. Now he was in the care of his aged grandmother who comes from one of the poorest villages around us.

I took one look at this 10-month-old baby and thought to myself, “It will be a miracle if this child lives.” But I couldn’t close my door.

Though the child’s eyes were sunken and the bones seemed to protrude from his loosened skin, though there was no strength in his muscles and no life in his eyes, I knew I had to give something.

I offered to give milk powder on a weekly basis. This 36 kg grandmother, stooped with age, seemed barely to have strength enough to care for her own needs. But when I handed her the mixture of milk powder and sugar, she said, “I will return each week as you asked.” And she has.

That first day, I handed her a child’s cup of milk and she fed this little boy sip by sip. He couldn’t even finish a quarter cup; the effort was too much.

Week after week, this grandmother returned and it seemed the effort was meaningless. No weight gain. No strength. How could it be that this child was not any stronger?

Two months later, I asked the grandmother if she had seen any change. “Oh yes! He is much stronger than before.

He is starting to talk and play and hold the cup by himself.”

And it was true.

He was now able to finish the small cup full of milk without falling asleep. He had a spark in his eye. The improvement seemed slow, but we continued. Then he fell headfirst into a fire and his face was covered in burns. They took a month to heal.

An amazing, healthy baby and his caring grandmother.

Six months of milk added to a Gumuz diet of porridge and beans and this little boy crawls with great speed. He laughs, talks, stands, and is full of spunk.

His grandmother was told to visit the witchdoctor because he was more than a year and still not walking. “Look how strong he is,” she answered. “Why should I give the witchdoctor a goat that I don’t have, when I know he will soon walk?” And it is true. He is taking his first steps, and all who see him are amazed.

And I wonder. Has God kept this child alive for a purpose? Will he one day be one who shares the gospel with his people, his village and beyond? After all, God saved Moses against all odds. He gave Hannah, Samuel; and He gave Elizabeth, John.

Against all odds, God uses those who are weak to do great things. Because of a faithful grandmother, because the Lord has a purpose, this little boy who was on the brink of death is filled with laughter and strength.

– Angela Kruse Angela and Rolf Kruse (Kola/Rosenort Fellowship) are with Serving in Mission.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

North End missionary shares Christ on Winnipeg’s streets

18 The Messenger • July 2014

He adds that Cote’s life experience gives her a unique opportunity to relate to the challenges that many people in Winnipeg’s North End face.

“She can make a deep connection that someone who’s grown up on a suburban home just can’t understand,” Dyck says. “Her work is important because of that.”

Elvira Cote Cote says that one of the biggest challenges of living and working in Winnipeg is that she isn’t able to see her oldest daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren very often. They live in Alberta.

Still, she is committed to continuing her work so that others might know about Jesus Christ. “If God can [save] little old me,” she says, “then he can do that for anybody.”

– Aaron Epp, ChristianWeek, www.christianweek.org BOM

WINNIPEG

When most people hear the word “missionary,” they imagine someone serving overseas in some exotic location. For Elvira Cote, being a missionary means serving where she lives in Winnipeg, Man. For the past 10 years Cote has worked in Winnipeg’s North End, going on prayer walks in the neighbourhood and leading Bible studies at a local soup kitchen. She can often be found at the Newcastle Family Restaurant on Main Street, or at McDonald’s on Main near Mountain Ave., building relationships with people from the neighbourhood over a cup of coffee.

Many Winnipeggers regard the neighbourhood with fear because of its high crime rate.

Cote says some people don’t understand what she does or why she does it, but God gives her strength to keep going each day. “The Lord has blessed me in ways I couldn’t imagine,” the 57-year-old says. “Everyone needs a chance to hear about the gospel.”

Cote grew up the youngest of nine children on the Cote First Nation Reserve in southeastern Saskatchewan. Her parents were affected by the residential school system, and her home life was marred by alcoholism. She describes her upbringing as “extremely violent.”

Today, Cote’s parents and siblings—as well as many of her nieces and nephews—are dead as a result of drug addiction, suicide or murder. At one point, Cote was on a similar path. She says that between the ages of 16 and 19, she was in and out of jail for “everything imaginable,” short of crimes involving drugs and murder.

But when she was in her 30s, missionaries from the EMC led Cote to Christ. Soon after, she moved with her two daughters to Lac La Biche, Alta., where she earned a diploma in biblical studies from Kee-Way-Tin Bible Institute.

While studying, Cote became passionate about street ministry. In 2003, she moved to Winnipeg to work with Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA). A few months later, she left ICYA to begin the work she is currently doing.

Cote attends Braeside EMC and is supported in her work by the Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada as well as the EMC. Tim Dyck, the EMC’s general secretary, has known Cote for six years and describes her as an encouraging person who is committed to her faith.

“She’s always got a smile on her face,” Dyck says. “She’s interested in people and she wants to connect.”

With Our Missionaries

A Sparking Jewel with a Siamou voice

BOM

BURKINA FASO

“Their commission was to render a sparkling jewel, and with an English voice. They were to transmit, not innovate.

They were to submit to the original text…Majestie was to be dispersed, by means of the Scriptures. It was to be the connective tissue that held the people together.

“Or so was the desire of the dreamer/priest king…the effort was now to open what was sealed shut, and allow people access, and at all levels of culture. The Scriptures were to be prepared for the poorly or noneducated, tuned to the pitch of the general listener, to set their sights, as William Tyndale said originally, as low as ‘the ploughboy’”(Majestie—The King Behind the King James Bible, David Teems, Thomas Nelson, 2010, 216-17).

As I read this book and considered the mandate of the 50-member translation committee that started work on the King James Bible translation in 1604, I made some comparisons to the Siamou Bible translation project.

We are a team of 12, of which only one is a Hebrew and Greek scholar compared to the 50 who were all Hebrew or Greek scholars. We are four cross-cultural workers together in Tin: Norm and Lillian and Lois and me. We have one Siamou translator: Solo.

We have a revision committee of six Siamou people.

And we have Dr. Anne Kompaoré, our consultant and scholar who knows the original languages. They finished their work within a six-year span; we have only just begun after 15 years of translation work.

Our commission, as I see it, is also to render a Sparkling Jewel, but with a Siamou voice. I am also a dreamer, praying that the Scriptures in the mother tongue of the Siamou people will be a connective tissue that will unite these people in their longing to know God. This is an effort to open what was sealed shut; for most Siamou people the Bibles in French and Jula are still sealed shut. We want all the people to have access to this holy message from God, including the “noneducated” and the “ploughboy.”

The topic of Bible translation for the Siamou people is on the agenda for a round table meeting in Orodara on Saturday, May 10. Mennonite church leaders will be meeting to discuss the possibility of hiring a second Siamou Bible translator.

I have been waiting for this meeting for

Paul and Lois Thiessen

six months. But instead of going to Orodara, instead of participating in this important meeting, my involvement was delayed because of health concerns.

So I have three prayer requests for you to bring to God’s throne: Pray that church leaders will make decisions that will result in the growth of God’s Kingdom among the Siamou people. Second, pray for the Siamou Bible translation project, that this Sparkling Jewel, these mother tongue Scriptures, will transform people’s lives. Finally, pray for my health—that answers and healing will soon be found.

– Paul Thiessen Paul and Lois Thiessen (Blumenort) serve in the village of Tin with AIMM.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

Columns • Generations

Teens: a world [set] apart

I Please encourage your church’s youth leaders to attend TRU. Why not also encourage them by paying their way?

20 The Messenger • July 2014

GERALD REIMER

Gerald Reimer Missions Mobilizer/ Conference Youth Minister

recently had a conversation with a young 20-something university student who said that even at her age she felt out of touch with the youth of our culture.

Instead of talking about a generational gap between people, she referred to a sibling gap that exists even in our own families. Culture is changing so quickly, we agreed, that the things that a 12-year-old is experiencing is worlds apart times of relevant training for youth ministry, from your typical 22-year-old. lots of space for refreshment, and opportunities Face them or fear them. My estimate is that for building team unity, all bathed in prayerful within the 62 churches of the EMC, we have intercession for the leaders and their students. approximately 300 adults working with our Please encourage your church’s youth students across Canada. This says nothing of leaders to attend TRU. Why not also encourage the hundreds of parents in whose homes these them by paying their way? teens are growing up. There is no doubting the fact that teens in 2014 are uniquely different then the teenagers of 2004.

Without boxing them in, I believe it is safe to say that the typical teenager today is guided by a different moral app than their parents. They are selfconfident and self-harming at the same time. They expect entitlement and at the same time they want to make a difEMC National Youth Leaders’ Retreat ference in the lives of people a world away. They hold strongly to values, but their ethics are mostly self-evident.

Dates: While teens may be worlds apart October 17-19, 2014 from adults, they too have been set apart for the glory of our Saviour. Our Location: conference is richer because of them.

Wilderness Edge Resort We need to love them, embrace them, and empower them in the way of Jesus Pinawa, Manitoba our Saviour. And we should support one another as we build into their Speaker: lives.

Dr. Ed Neufeld, The EMC is holding TRU14, its Professor at Providence Theological Seminary biennial National Youth Leaders’ Pastor of Kleefeld Christian Community Retreat, this fall in Pinawa, Man., from Contact: greimer@emconf.ca Oct. 17-19. The weekend will include

TRU2014

Train Refresh Unite

Columns • Writings Shared Rescuing Theology from the Cowboys, Richard L. Twiss (Wiconi International, 2013). 163 pp. $22 U.S. Reviewed by Brigitte Toews, Board of Church Ministries member.

Are you interested in understanding Indigenous missiology or involved with Native missions?

This book will help you understand what First Nations theologians are already accomplishing in North America.

The author, of Lakota background and holding a DMiss from Asbury Theological Seminary, briefly touches on the history of North American colonization, its effects on FN communities, and the resulting decolonization efforts today.

His main focus, however, is on changes already being made to indigenous expressions of faith in Creator Jesus over the past twenty years in spite of opposition from the more traditional euro-westernized expressions of conservative Christianity. Twiss quotes critics, counters intelligently, and invites continued dialogue on an “equal footing.”

Twiss argues that using “critical contextualization” guided by cultural interpreters and

indigenous innovators is a way of “self-theologizing” what it means to follow and worship Creator Jesus from their own native perspective.

Though the process may look like syncretism through other cultural eyes, he humbly suggests that this be a necessary grace in order to allow the Holy Spirit to work through and transform their native forms of worship and culture, as He so directs, which may take a whole generation to work through.

Twiss died on Feb. 9, 2013, but I believe his journey through this controversy has left a legacy of hope for the Native American/ Canadian heart that has been wounded by neocolonialism, which is often perceived by Natives as “the white man’s religion.”

An innovator mentioned is Dr. Terry LeBlanc, a Canadian who teaches at various Bible colleges and is the current director of North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies.

•• The Orenda, Joseph Boyden (Penguin, 2013). 487 pp. $22. ISBN 9780143174165. Reviewed by Terry Smith, who began studying the Cree language in 1978.

The Orenda is a novel depicting the encounters of the Huron, Iroquois, and French (including Jesuits) in New France during the 1600s of Samuel de Champlain’s time, yet with modern relevance: it illustrates how tensions among First Nations peoples, government, and Church have a lengthy history.

An Iroquois girl, Snow Falls, sees her parents killed by the Huron, including Bird who wants to adopt her. The Jesuit Christophe, along with his companions Gabriel and Isaac, seeks to move them from their “sauvage” ways to Christian faith.

Since Boyden—parts Ojibwa, Scottish and Irish—published the novel, reviewers have had or noted mixed reactions: modern Iroquois have felt their ancestors were wrongly depicted as brutal; Huron have objected to an ancestor’s link to a rape scene and the overlooking of their matriarchal order; and debate has occurred

about the accuracy or usefulness of scenes of “caressing” (torturing to death).

Reviewers ponder the book’s levels: Does the Jesuits’ theology reflect that of the period? How well does the novel reflect the time’s mindsets?

Why is the shaman spiritually powerful while the Jesuits are powerless? I wonder, when a young man is sexually abused and the case unresolved, is a statement being made about the later residential school era?

The novel effectively displays the cultural gaps and political rivalries among the French, Huron, and Iroquois. As a matter of history, noted by a reviewer and elsewhere, Jean de Brébeuf (15931649) was a Jesuit “caressed” by the Iroquois and he had companions in mission named Gabriel and Isaac. I ask this: even given the officially “coincidental” names of the Jesuits, was it fair to depict Isaac as finally acting as he did?

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Pelly Fellowship Chapel

Members welcomed PELLY, Sask.—The changing seasons, how we love them!

Each has its highlights, beauty, and challenges. After a long, cold winter, we welcome Spring and all the newness of life that it brings.

May 4 was a special day. During the morning service, we welcomed Arthur and Caroline Shostal into the membership of the Pelly church. After giving their testimonies and brief highlights of their lives from youth to adulthood, it was wonderful to embrace them within our fellowship.

Pastor Dallas Halverson gave a fitting message from Romans 12, which was followed by communion.

Sunday School leaders Brenda Bellows and Twyla Johnson organized and conducted a spring session of Kids’ Klub.

For the lessons, they showed a video, each time on the life of Christ, from the Gospel of John. The children were quiet for this. Their craft was making little wooden cars, which they

Crestview Fellowship

could streamline, paint, and decorate to their liking.

On May 2 there was an evening session, with a video on “The Raising of Lazarus” and a mini message by Pastor Dallas Halverson. As a closing feature they all got a chance to race their cars down a ramp. A good number of parents and grandparents came to make the evening all the more complete.

In December 2013, Dallas Halverson of Melfort, Sask., accepted a six-month pastoral assignment. At the end of May, we all knew there could be a change; still it was not easy to hear his resignation.

Wider family needs outside of Pelly area require his attention, and we, as a congregation, have to be understanding of this. We thank Dallas for his time here and what he has taught us. He is not too far away. Likely we’ll see him from time to time.

– Vivian Anfinson

••

‘Come to Church Sunday’ held

22 The Messenger • July 2014

been encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and invite a friend, neighbour or relative to come to church. The response was amazing, with many new people joining us for the morning service.

Kevin Pauls Pastor Darrel’s message was taken from James 2:1-13 and entitled “Favouritism and Prejudice.”

What do we see when we look at a person? Do we jump to conclusions and treat a person differently depending on what they look like, how they are dressed or their situation?

Scott and Janet had a special children’s feature using a clip from the movie Shrek and Darrel illustrated this further by entering the sanctuary dressed as a homeless person. It was a great disguise and it took many of us a few minutes before we realized who was walking to the front of the church.

This original and thought-provoking worship service was followed by a barbeque lunch. We pray that those invited friends felt comfortable and welcome in our midst and look forward to having them join us again.

– Sharron Straub TERRY M. SMITH

WINNIPEG, Man.—It’s been a busy spring here at Crestview. A re-installation service was held on March 16 for youth pastor Kevin Pauls, who had served here previously, and an ordination service on March 23 for Pastor Darrel Guenther.

Following a long-standing tradition, we celebrated Good Friday in a joint service with the Free Methodist Church. It was a blessed time of praise, worship, and meditation. The Ghanian singers are wonderful.

Our hosts had prepared coffee and dainties following the service and shared Easter treats with the children. What a great time of sharing and getting to know our neighbour church better. No matter what our ethnic origins, we worship and praise the same Lord and Saviour.

On May 3 the men served up a great waffle breakfast with all the fixings while the ladies got to sit back and enjoy the meal and the inspiration of Joan van der Linde from Open Door Church in Morris. She shared some music and talked to us about R.E.S.T. (Release Expectations Simply and Totally, Release Every Selfish Thought, Relax and Enjoy Simple Trust).

May 4 was “Come to Church Sunday.” Everyone had

With Our Churches Picture Butte Mennonite Church

PICTURE BUTTE, Alta.—PBMC was blessed to be able to hold two special services on June 15 and 25 which saw twenty young people publically declare their faith and become baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Pastor Quentin Unger encouraged the candidates to continually show the world they are Christians by how they choose to live and how they handle difficult circumstances that will undoubtedly test their faith. The testimonies were proof that God works in hearts and lives in many different ways.

As there were such a large number of candidates, the testimonies were given over a period of two Sundays. On June 25, nine people were baptised by pouring, while the others chose to be baptised by immersion at Park Lake (a local campground) where we celebrated together with a picnic lunch afterwards.

We as a church have already been greatly blessed by

PBMC

20 young people baptized at PBMC

Standing for the Lord through baptism: (back) Aron Friesen, Susie Banman, Agatha Friesen, David Klassen, Jacob Peters, David Neufeld, Jake Klassen, John Neufeld, Pastor Quentin Unger, (front) Lena Reimer, Justina Wiebe, Linda Enns, Lisa Siemens, Crissy Siemens, Annie Krahn, Tina Neufeld, Maria Neufeld, Agatha Berg, Helen Klassen, Anna Klassen, Christina Unger. Missing is Judy Dyck.

this group of young people and look forward to continue serving together with them.

– Desiree Krahn

••

Heartland Community Church

Mothers try to move beyond ‘Mompetition’ We appreciated Sara’s vulnerability and sincerity as she shared her own struggles of “being enough” as a wife, mother, and friend. She said it was only when God had become enough for her that she was free to be enough for others, regardless of her feelings of inadequacy on any given day.

– Brigitte Toews Andrea Plett, coordinator, and SamanHCC

LANDMARK, Man.—On the evening of May 8, 2014, Heartland’s Moms and Tots ministry team prepared a “Fascinating High-Tea.” They invited moms from the community for a special night out which featured a do-it-yourself “fascinator-tutorial,” games, and visiting over tea and dessert. Before I arrived for the event, I had to Google the word “fascinator” for images, to find out what they actually were. To my surprise, Britain’s Princess Kate modelled well many of the artistic and beautiful hairdressings for which her culture is famous.

After a time of visiting and getting to know young moms in the community, Sara Dacombe prepared a short reflection on “How to Lose the Mompetition.” Sara gave various creative examples of what might constitute competition among mothers, and how to put into perspective the balance of the joy of sharing their children’s progress “without guilt” with the grace of listening, especially when your own children progress differently.

tha Giesbrecht, honoured Mom

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

News

EMCers among 16 climbing for a cause Trek to alleviate poverty, create opportunity worldwide

MEDA

WATERLOO, Ont.—An EMC father and son team from Arborg, Man., is among a group hiking with MEDA for charity this July 4 to 17.

MEDA supporters Peter Dueck and his son Jirah (The ConneXion) have a rare opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with president Allan Sauder to aid MEDA’s work in creating business solutions to poverty around the world.

“We have set an ambitious goal of raising $250,000,” said Sauder about the fundraising climb.

Hikers from across North America will travel the Lemosho Route through five eco-systems—including rainforest, alpine desert and glaciers—in just 10 days. Unlike Everest, Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, so any person Peter Dueck and son Jirah Dueck in reasonable physical shape with a dose of perseverance can make it. The group includes participants in their 20s to estimated 200,000 lives.” those in their 70s.

MEDA (Mennonite CopiesEconomic Development AssociJoin with Christ The climbers also will visit MEDA project sites in the ates) sees businessnow as a calling. “And among many other in to shaping things, our ” says Peter Dueck, “I love the camaraderie and country. One distributes insecticide-treated bed nets available protect against malaria in pregnant women and young fellowship with like-minded people who seek to live generfree.

Contact info@ children. “More than 35 million nets have been put in ously and responsibly in a diverse world.” For information, Evangelical Mennonite Conference emconf.ca or the hands of Tanzanian families,” says Sauder, “saving an Board of Missions see www.meda.org/climb.

204-326-6401.

204-326-6401 – MEDA info@emconf.ca

world

••

www.emconference.ca

50 Years Corrections restores funding for CoSA of MCC in Canada

OTTAWA, Ont.—The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has agreed to restore funding for Circles of Support Mennonite and Accountability.

Central in The safety and security of the public andCommittee corrections Canada: A History staff are a priority for CSC. Esther Epp-Tiessen CSC strongly encourages its partners to 346 consider pages, paper, alternate ways to secure sustainable, long-term, funding $29.50. to meet their needs. Also, CSC is committedISBN to a strong and effective correctional system that respects the rights 9780920718957 of victims. CSC is also committed to ensuring that victims history MCC Canada comes out of a of federal offenders have The a voice in of the federal correctional rich historical tradition. system.

– CSC Read this fascinating and complex story.

CMU Press cmupress.ca Toll Free 1-877-231-4570

Bible-Theology Children’s Ministry Counselling Missions Pre-Education Pre-Social Work Pastoral Worship Youth

www.SBCOLLEGE.ca

24 The Messenger • July 2014

News

‘Taught by God’ used to teach others Journal assists EMC leaders in detailed study STEINBACH, Man.—It’s been said that a preacher should not speak from the fullness of the heart and the emptiness of the head.

Have you heard of the EMC’s Theodidaktos: Journal for EMC theology and education? The Journal’s name means “Taught by God,” based on John 6:45. For nine years now, it has allowed leaders and members an opportunity for more space and detailed study than is available in The Messenger.

“God has revealed himself to us and has taught us who He is through His Son, Jesus Christ,” editor Darryl G. Klassen said when Theodidaktos started in 2006. “But none of us has a perfect revelation of God and therefore, as we are taught by God, we can share with each other what we have learned. This Journal is a medium where we have the opportunity to contribute to one another’s understanding of God and His Church.”

At conference council in December 2013 editor Klassen asked how many of the EMC’s church delegates read Theodidaktos. Many hands went up, showing that the Journal is considered both useful and well-received.

Since 2006, the EMC’s Board of Church Ministries has produced the Journal once or twice yearly. The Journal is free and sent in bulk to churches, is available online, and can be picked up at our national office. Individuals can request to have a print copy mailed to them, but they are to cover postage costs.

The January 2014 issue contained major articles on Redeeming Mental Illness, Transhumanism and Mormonism

Theodidaktos Taught by God Journal for EMC theology and education | Volume 7 Number 1 August 2012

Calling, Accountability, and Vision: Missions Promotion and Recruitment within the EMC An interview with Dr. Ernie Koop by Darryl G. Klassen | p. 3

Considered and What is Sin? Each issue also contains an editorial, a sermon, a critical book review, and a final word.

Most back issues are available in print; all are available online.

Papers, sermons, and critical book reviews are invited—with priority given to those written by EMCers.

As in the case of most journals, there is no guarantee of publication and queries are advisable before any fresh writing occurs. At this point there is no honorarium for published materials.

Send queries, materials, comments, and requests for writing guidelines to Editor Darryl G. Klassen, Box 129, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0; kemc@ since 1986. mts.net; 204-377-4773. Within the national office, Terry Smith is the staff advisor and Rebecca Roman is the designer. ! TODAY. 204-582-8779 • www.icya.ca MAKE get YOURinvolved DONATION – EMC

CHANGE A

LIFE

SENd AN INNER CITY kId To CAmp

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

News

Supporting pastors in the face of trauma Pastors learn trauma counselling

MCC PHOTO/JEANNE JANTZI

AKRON, Pa. – When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November 2013, it not only left a trail of ruined homes, flattened businesses and uprooted trees, it caused emotional trauma for many in the disaster’s path— including pastors and other caregivers.

“I felt so helpless. I didn’t know how to protect my family,” Pastor Janar Ruiz says. “We all went to the church during the typhoon and we couldn’t do anything but cry.”

In the week after the storm, Peacebuilders Community, an MCC partner, realized that pastors would need assistance; it decided to provide 50 pastors with an opportunity to talk about their experiences and to be trained in immediate trauma counsel- Pastor Jesusa Garba and other Filipino pastors take a break from their intense sharing about ling, disaster risk reduction, and peace Typhoon Haiyan to play a group game. and reconciliation.

From Feb. 4-6, 2014, a group of pastors from the to survive,” he says. “We evacuated and stayed away from Philippines Council of Evangelical Churches met in Ormoc danger areas. God made us survivors by giving us fear. I City for the first training. Clinical psychologist Bennette am thankful for these emotions.”

Tenecio lead pastors in several rounds of sharing about The training in trauma counselling prepared the particitheir feelings pants to walk alongside people who are suffering after disasduring the ter or tragedy. Tenecio offered phrases: “Is there anything typhoon and you want to tell me about what happened?” “How is your afterward. family doing?” “Is there anything you need right now?”

Pastor The training also helped pastors to establish closer perJonathan sonal connections, said Jeanne Jantzi, MCC area director Pobadora, for Southeast Asia. who lost his PBCI facilitator Boyet Ongkiko challenged pastors to home and get involved in their village’s disaster response rather than whose family create parallel structures only for churches. “Holiness does is still living not mean separation from the community,” he told them. in a tent three “If you are too busy in church activities, you don’t have GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY months later, time for the community.”

A Graduate School of the Church rooted in found new The group will meet again for a second training in the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, meaning in peace and reconciliation. When all 50 pastors are trained, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. his emotions. each will pass on what they learned to four others, reachThree Programs of Study | Enrol now for one week intensive courses “Fear is what ing a total of 200 pastors. cmu.ca/gstm allowed us – Melanie Hess, MCC CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

26 The Messenger • July 2014

News

SBC graduates 32 Brought closer to God, desire to serve STEINBACH, Man.—Celebrations, memories, and good-byes marked the weekend of April 25-26, 2014, at Steinbach Bible College.

The first event, SBC’s annual Spring Concert, took place on Friday, featuring a variety of musical and drama performances as well as several faith stories.

A highlight of the concert was a performance by the 1984 Children of Light ensemble. After 30 years, they still sound great. Twelve students also received their Certificates of Biblical Studies during the program.

On Saturday, SBC was thrilled to celebrate with 20 graduates as they were awarded their Diplomas and Bachelor of Arts degrees in a ceremony at Steinbach EMC. Valedictorian Kris Engel reflected on the students’ time at EMC diploma and degree grads: Kimberly Krahn (Picture Butte), Jon Corder (AbbeySBC, remembering their hard work and many dale), Jayelle Friesen (Prairie Rose), Heather Loewen (Blumenort). late nights, but also that they were brought closer to God and gained an understanding of His Word.

The class leaves SBC with a solid desire to serve.

On behalf of the undergraduates, Kaitlyn Rempel responded with thanks to the graduates for their welcoming spirit, ability to lead and challenge, and their generous gift of friendship.

Please pray for the class of 2014 as they go into the world as servant leaders and continue the mission that started at SBC. – SBC

Weddings

SBC’s 2014 diploma and degree graduates: (back) Jared Friesen, Travis Harms, Andrew Harder, Justin Koslowsky, Clinton Friesen, (centre row) Regina Rempel, Jordan Zetterstrom, Johann (Johnny) Dyck, Heiko Giesbrecht, Raymond Ginter, Kris Engel, Joseph Timbury, Jon Corder, Karen Krahn, (front) Katie Favell, Gillian Hunt, Jayelle Friesen, Kimberly Krahn, Heather Loewen, Bethany Rempel.

NEMEZ-KRAHN: Kyle Nemez and Kimberly Krahn were married on May 24, 2014, at Picture Butte Mennonite Church. They reside in Swan River, Man. KETLER-KRAHN: Jake Ketler and Annie Krahn were married on June 7, 2014, at Picture Butte Mennonite Church. They reside in Taber, Alta.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

EMC graduates Providence University College

Jillian Dormer (CBF, Swan River), Certificate, TESOL

Andrew Kampen (Blumenort), BA, Business Administration

Christa Penner (Rosenort EMC), BA, Sociology

Brandon Post (Steinbach EMC), BA, Business/ Music

Emily Helen Hillier (Steinbach EMC), Certificate, TESOL

Providence Theological Seminary

Canadian Mennonite University

Irai A. Rodrigues Filho (EFC Steinbach), MA, Christian Studies

Matthew Ryan Dueck (Ridgewood) BA, Social Science

Ronald John Dyck (Steinbach EMC), Doctor of Ministry

Erin Sawatzky (Fort Garry), BA, Social Science/ BTS

Jenelle Plett (The ConneXion), BA, Psychology

MFC hires four staff persons Charitable foundation manages $160M KITCHENER, Ont.—Mennonite Foundation of Canada welcomes four new team members. MFC welcomes Peter Dryden as a Stewardship Consultant in its Calgary, Alta., office. Andrew Epp was hired as a Stewardship Consultant in the St. Catherines, Ont., office. Daniel Lichty was hired as a Stewardship Consultant in its Abbotsford, BC, office.

Wendy Koch was hired as a Communications Specialist working in the Kitchener, Ont., office.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada is a thriving faithbased charitable foundation with more than $160 million in managed assets. In 2013, MFC clients distributed more than $14 million to charity using the services of MFC. – MFC

28 The Messenger • July 2014

Andrew Epp

Peter Dryden

Daniel Lichty

Wendy Koch

News

Bomb blasts reveal Christians and Muslims working together

DAVE KLASSEN

Peacebuilding a priority since 2001

MCC Nigeria peace coordinator Mugu Zakka Bako speaks at a meeting in Nigeria.

AKRON, Pa.—When Mugu Zakka Bako arrived at the scene of twin bomb blasts on May 20 at a busy market in the city of Jos, Nigeria, he saw more than destruction and injured people.

He saw Muslims and Christians working shoulder to shoulder, helping to rescue people. They consoled and talked with each other said Bako, peace coordinator for MCC Nigeria.

Intensive peacebuilding work within many groups in Jos, including MCC’s partners, are seeking to diffuse violence and encourage connections between Muslims and Christians.

Plateau State lies between Nigeria’s largely Muslim north and mostly Christian south and is home to diverse religious and ethnic groups. The attack that killed 122 people was the first large-scale incident of violence in Jos during the past two years.

MCC staff and its partners are safe, although several witnessed the explosion. Many people connected with MCC knew someone killed or injured. Seven volunteers working for MCC’s partner, Faith Alive Clinic, were killed or are presumed dead.

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, people in Jos commonly attribute it to Boko

Haram. This group of Islamist militants, who oppose education for girls and other Western influences, got worldwide attention in April after abducting and threatening to sell more than 270 school girls in northeast Nigeria.

For the past 20 years, however, the periodic violence that plagued Plateau State was not commonly tied to Boko Haram, but to a complex set of factors based on the way people polarize religious and ethnic groups to advance their political purposes in Nigeria, said a peace theology teacher.

People are tired of the violence, which may make them more determined to work for peace and more open to friends who discourage a violent response, an MCC representative said. Peacebuilding work has been a priority of MCC’s in Nigeria since 2001.

– MCC

Consider taking courses at the:

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY A bursary has been created for students from the Evangelical Mennonite Conference who are preparing for pastoral ministry, missions or Christian service in a graduate studies program at CMU. The bursary will cover half of the tuition costs for eligible students.

For more information contact Mitch Krohn at mkrohn@cmu.ca.

cmu.ca/gstm CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

Columns • Window on Missions

Grace Thiessen: a servant of the Lord

by Tim Dyck General Secretary

I had appreciated Grace Thiessen’s written updates on her work, which displayed her diligence, persistence, and faith.

Now, in Arizona, I saw those qualities face to face.

30 The Messenger • July 2014

BOM

U

sually EMC Missions has the privilege of honouring retiring missionaries after a career of service. Board and national staff members, family and friends, mission and church representatives gather to express thanks and give tribute to cross-cultural workers who have given their lives in service to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in a setting that took them far from the comforts of home, family, and the country in which they were raised.

We pray God’s blessing upon them as they enter a new phase of life, freer to enjoy time with family (especially siblings, children and grandchildren), and (since no missionary ever actually retires) to consider how the Lord would now want them to serve.

Sadly, we did not have this opportunity with Grace Thiessen, who died on April 19, 2014, in Tucson, Arizona. She was far away from the province in which she was born, but, as an EMCer, she was one of our own.

The place of her death was, symbolically as well as physically, a sort of midpoint between where her faith began in Steinbach, Man., area and where Christ’s call to service took her to the Zapotec-speaking region of Oaxaca state, southern Mexico.

EMC Missions has lost a valued member with the passing of Grace who served with Wycliffe Bible Translators for 40 years. Since a brief look at her life was prepared elsewhere, allow me to add a few words.

Grace and Joan Smith, her co-worker, worked with the local translation team to produce a Zapotec recording of the New Testament. Since most Zapotec speakers are not inclined to read, a recording is an essential tool for the Scripture to be embraced. The recording has been completed and is being prepared for distribution.

It was during the recording in Oaxaca that Grace began to feel pain in her upper body. Tests revealed that she had pancreatic cancer, so she returned to her home in Catalina, Arizona. Medical specialists in Arizona confirmed this diagnosis, but did not recommend treatment as the cancer

was too advanced. Joan, a nurse and a friend as well as a co-worker, provided hospice care.

Several years earlier Grace had discovered serious life threatening issues with her heart, so she understood the brevity of life and the need to live each day to its fullest. Even though she was near retirement age, her desire was to continue working on language and translation for the Zapotecs. Few people would have faulted her if she had returned to Canada for health reasons.

It was my privilege to see Grace in Arizona in March 2014, where we had a few short visits.

During one visit, Grace reflected on the work and ministry to which she had committed her life. She was grateful to have spent her years in service to the Lord, dedicated to work with meaning and purpose.

I had appreciated her written updates on her work, which displayed her diligence, persistence, and faith. Now, in Arizona, I saw those qualities face to face. Grace was pleased to learn that EMC Missions had decided to provide a onetime bursary to an SBC student in her name.

Grace finished her journey here on earth on April 19, 2014, at 1 a.m. We are saddened by her passing, but rejoice that she is now fully healed and with her Saviour. We welcome your prayers for her family and for her co-workers, Joan Smith and Marilyn Valverde.

In Memory

Grace Marie Thiessen

1948-2014 Grace was born on July 16, 1948, to Jacob and Marie Thiessen, the eldest of three children. Grace spent the first seven years of her life enjoying the outdoors and playing with cousins on a mink ranch near Giroux, Man. The family moved to Steinbach following the death of her father.

Grace set the direction for her life at age 16 when she acknowledged Jesus as her Saviour and Lord. She was baptized and became a member of the Steinbach EMC. After high school she studied at Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska.

This was followed by two years at the University of Manitoba to obtain a teacher’s certificate. She then taught in Blumenort, Man., from 1972 to 1974.

Her decision to serve God in a

more full time way led her to teach missionary children at the SIL jungle centre in Bolivia for two years. While there she became interested in Bible translation and decided to make the career change.

She began studying linguistics at the University of North Dakota in 1976, became a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators, and earned a master’s degree at the University of Texas. In 1979, after studying Spanish in Costa Rica, she and Joan Smith, a colleague linguist and nurse, were assigned to work as a team with the Yareni Zapotecs in Oaxaca, Mexico.

In 1997 Marilyn Valverde joined the team to work in the Aloapam Zapotec dialect.

Grace considered it a privilege to work with the Zapotec people. It was fun for her to learn to speak Zapotec, humbling to be accepted into their lives and culture, and very satisfying to be part of the team translating God’s Word into their heart language.

She observed how it was definitely an uphill battle getting the Zapotecs to appreciate the Scriptures in their own language and how she felt stretched

almost to the breaking point at times, but God was faithful to her. After 35 years of this labour of love, the translation of the New Testament is now in its final preparations for printing.

In addition to serving as a linguist and translator for the Yareni and Aloapam Zapotec people, Grace faithfully served as a translation consultant and for a few years as the Translation Coordinator of the Mexico branch of Wycliffe.

Her life was never boring and always challenging. She said that even though she would do some things differently if she had her life to live over again, she would still choose to be a Bible translator.

Grace passed away on April 19, 2014, after a short illness. She is survived by her brothers, Waldie (Kimie) and Lee (Mei), and her nieces and nephew, Seilla, Emily and Rei. She also leaves behind a large family of relatives and friends in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and beyond.

Grace was a special person who had the gift of connecting with people. Her cheerful heart, loving spirit, infectious laugh, and genuine love for her Lord will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

To celebrate her life, memorial services were held in Oaxaca, Mexico; Tucson, Arizona; and at Steinbach EMC. Memorial donations are appreciated to finish the translation of the Aloapam Zapotec New Testament through Wycliffe Canada.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

Tina Fast (nee Plett) 1923-2014

On May 1, 2014, Tina Plett Fast died peacefully at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man. She lived a full and rich life, proudly reaching the age of 90 years. She will be greatly missed by her family; she was a wonderful sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Tina was born on Nov. 14, 1923, in Greenland, Man., to Elizabeth and Abram R. Plett, the fourth of 12 children. She had a happy childhood and enjoyed her school days and her years as a girl working at home. Tina was baptized in the Kleine Gemeinde Church on July 21, 1940.

She met and fell in love with Wilbert Fast in her teens and waited six

years for him to propose. They were married on May 18, 1947. Together they set up their first household on the Platte Hoff where many of Mom’s extended family lived, including her grandparents. With little money and a growing family, Mom and Dad purchased their first home on the main road through Blumenort.

They moved to Mexico in 1952 and enjoyed living there for three years with their young children on Quellen Colony, next door to mom’s parents. After they returned to Blumenort, they were able to move back into the same house they had left. It was a small house and some years later Mom was very happy to have a big new house to move into on Oakdale Drive.

Mom’s tasks were set out for her; raising her children, feeding and clothing them, and being a part of an extended family and community kept her occupied. She was always sewing, baking or working in her garden, it seemed. But still there was time for other things she loved: church, making blankets for MCC at Neiverein, going for rides, visiting, planning house renovations. For

Mom, the essence of life was the living of it which she did well.

Tina was predeceased by her husband Wilbert J. Fast, daughter Frances and son Harold, her parents Abram R. and Elizabeth Plett, her sisters Nettie and Lisa, and her brothers Henry, Jake, and Cornelius. She is survived by three sisters, Esther Petkau, Freda Schroeder, Mary Friesen; three brothers, Thomas, Nick and Abe; in-laws Marie Plett and Erwin Friesen; as well as Wilbert’s family, his siblings, Eva Fast, Agatha Grant, and Edmar Fast; his in-laws, Virgina Fast, Eric Toews and Chris Grant; and her many nieces and nephews.

She is deeply mourned by her children, Viola (Bob), daughterin-law Alfrieda, Rosabel, Emily (Allen), Lesley (Marianne), Merle (Ted), Julene (Rick), Kerry, Douglas (Dawna); her grandchildren, Jordan, Emma, Anicka, John, Kara, Jeremy, Karin, Martin, Stephanie, Mary Jane, Adam, Hans, Emmaly, Bronwyn, Alex, Katherine, Cressida, Joseph, Ingrid, Thomas, Ciaran, Irian; and her great-grandchildren, Leslie, Liesl, Anne-Sophie, Nora, Maika, Moses, and Stephanie.

– Her Family

EMC Prayer Team Guadalajara, Mexico November 10-17, 2014

Contact:

Team Leader - Angel Infantes

Diana Peters dpeters@emconf.ca

$1,300 (depending on flight costs)

Gerald Reimer greimer@emconf.ca

32 The Messenger • July 2014

Shoulder Tapping *With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

EMC Positions Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel is looking for a full-time lead pastor. Our congregation consists of about 80 attendees and has a real heart to love God and love people. We are looking for a pastor who has strong preaching and teaching skills and is gifted in relating to the multiple generations of the congregation.

He will provide leadership on the ministerial team and serve alongside our half-time youth pastor. A Bible college education and previous pastoral experience are desirable.

PGFC is an EMC church located in the growing community of Lorette, Man., 15 minutes southeast of Winnipeg. To apply or for more information, contact Alek at pgfc.search@gmail.com.

The ConneXion church in Arborg, Man, a community of one thousand, is currently seeking a half-time pastor. Arborg is in the heart of Manitoba’s Interlake, one hour north of Winnipeg’s perimeter. The church of 25 to 50 adherents is affiliated with the EMC. We practice the values of “BELLS” as we build our community; we seek to bless, eat, listen, learn and send.

There is significant opportunity for other part-time employment in the community.

Interested applicants should contact the pastoral search committee chair or submit a resume to peter.dueck@vidir.com. We are seeking a faithful Jesus follower with proven leadership skills.

Taber EMC is seeking a full-time youth/associate pastor. Candidate should have the ability to plan and oversee a comprehensive youth ministry and oversee associate pastor ministries as arranged by the church leadership. Valuable assets would be skills in sports and music. Contact church board chair Abe Klassen at 403-223-0588 or 403-331-9563. Send resumes to Taber EMC, Box 4348, Taber, AB T1G 2C7 or taberemc@ yahoo.ca.

Hillside Christian Fellowship is looking for a fulltime or interim pastor. Previous experience is preferred and housing is available. Hillside Christian Fellowship is a rural church located on Highway 697 in the Buffalo Head Prairie area, about 25 kms from La Crete in northern Alberta. The industries that drive our community are farming and logging. We have about 50 to 60 people attending on average each Sunday. For information contact Jim Friesen at valley@sis.net or call (work) 780-928-3880 or (cell) 780-926-7717.

La Crete Christian Fellowship is seeking candidates to fill the role of senior pastor. LCCF is located in a beautiful, prosperous farming and logging community in northern Alberta. We are a multi-generational congregation with a strong commitment to missions. Our average Sunday attendance is 450.

The senior pastor would be a team member working with and providing general oversight to the associate pastor, youth pastor, office staff, lay minister and a large, supportive ministerial. He would have appropriate Bible college education and preferably a number of years of pastoral experience.

He would agree with the EMC Statement of Faith and Church Practices. Duties include, but are not limited to, preaching, teaching, some administration and officiating at various church functions.

Information can be found at www.lccfc.ca.

Please contact Darryl Olson at darrylwolson@gmail. com or 780-821-0287 if you can serve together with us in this capacity.

The Church of Living Water in Tillsonburg, Ont., is seeking a full-time senior pastor. We are a young church with attendance ranging from 70-100. We have a growing children and youth ministry. CLW is seeking a pastoral couple who will live among us to guide and direct the church to deeper and greater ministry in our community.

We believe the senior pastor role to be that of a shepherd who guides his congregation, needs to be a strong encourager and a pastor who has passion for God and his people. This is best accomplished by studying and teaching, praying and preaching, and visiting and visioning, all based on God’s Word. Previous pastoral experience is preferred, and candidate must be in agreement with our EMC Constitution and Statement of Faith.

Applications or resumes should be sent to the CLW Board of Elders: Abe Neufeld (chair) abeneufeld@bell.net and David Dyck (vice chair) daviddyck@hotmail.com.

Roseisle EMC is currently in search of a full-time pastor with a supportive and involved family. Located 100 kms southwest of Winnipeg in a small, rural town, we are a church with many young families and an average attendance of 75. We are looking for a pastor that is passionate about his faith and has lots of energy and contagious excitement to work within the church and the local community of Roseisle.

Responsibilities would include practical Bible based preaching/teaching, visitation, local community visibility/involvement, and encouraging the spiritual growth of the church. We are seeking a dynamic leader who loves Jesus, and embraces small church and small town living. Housing is provided.

Interested applicants should contact the pastoral search committee chair, Pam Dyck, at 204435-2778 or through email. Please send resumes to Pastoral Search Committee, Roseisle EMC, Box 29,

Rosenort Fellowship Chapel is seeking a full-time senior pastor starting any time after August 1 to care for and lead a congregation of about 120 people. Rosenort is a small community located 60 kms south of Winnipeg. Please contact Brent Friesen if you would like more information: 204-746-6974 or brent_friesen@yahoo.ca.

Roseisle MB R0G 1V0 or remcsearch@gmail.com.

Morweena Christian School (MCS) is looking for two high school teachers. Candidates with strengths in math and science will be given preference.

MCS is a rural school 90 minutes north of Winnipeg, Man., serving about 130 students. The two-grade split classes range in size from 15-26 students. MCS was founded in 1966 by families of Morweena EMC. Candidates need to be certifiable in the province of Manitoba, embrace the EMC Statement of Faith, and be active in congregational life. Send resume to Tim Reimer, principal, timr@morweenaschool.org.

Island Gospel Fellowship, in Burns Lake, BC, is a seeking a full-time youth pastor/outreach worker to build on a growing ministry to youth in the Burns Lake area. Currently there is a group of 50-60 youth attending weekly youth events. Many of these youth are from the community and do not attend any church. A successful candidate should have a passion for outreach and a strong desire to share the love of Jesus; an ability to communicate biblical truths to youth in a relevant way; strong relational skills to connect with youth and work with others; the ability to organize events and involve volunteers; a willingness to partner with camp ministry.

For further information or to send us your resume, please contact the search committee at igf@ telus.net or phone 250-692-7551.

Other Positions Mid-Way Christian Leadership, based in Thompson Man., is looking for a general director to start Feb. 1, 2015. This is a support/fund-raised missionary position with some of the compensation subsidized from our general funds. We are looking for someone who is willing to take this step of faith. Please email generaldirector.mcl@gmail.com for a full job description or inquiries.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Ministry-related position ads are welcome. Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Columns • here and far away

This wasn’t Jesus’ way

by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com

What people need to see is Christ overshadowing me, not the other way around.

34 The Messenger • July 2014

DESIGNPICS

I

aspire to be a good writer. I’ve learned about the Almighty Author from many of the great novels I’ve read. For this reason I yearn to create similar works myself.

To expand my knowledge of the writing craft I have subscribed to websites that publish articles on how to write better. While the articles are written by talented and often successful writers, I’ve found their teaching to be a doubleedged blade in my own development. The helpful tips come packaged with what these writers define as success.

“Make a name for yourself,” they say, and then, as your fame grows, it builds on itself and brings the author even more fame. This is the human ascending way: fame, accolade, the glorifying of self.

Even in my desire to bring glory to God’s name through my writing I can easily misstep and take glory for myself. Many well-intentioned Christians have fallen into just such a trap, thinking that their striving is to bring God praise.

God doesn’t need me to strive to bring Him glory. He can do that Himself. “God’s exaltation of [a person] is never for [that person themselves].

Its purpose is the glorification of God and the edification of others” (Beth Moore, The Patriarchs).

I need to be willing to be used as God sees fit.

This might even be through my own humiliation or “failure.” I must become less; He must become greater (John 3:30). If my name becomes too large, it begins to hide the Name I am seeking to glorify. What people need to see is Christ overshadowing me, not the other way around.

Christ, though in his very nature God, didn’t seek fame for his own name. Indeed, even though fame would—humanly speaking—have brought many more people to his ministry, he didn’t strive after a name for himself. When something fantastic happened Jesus withdrew from the crowds.

Modern public relations professionals would have had Jesus stand for interviews and write his take on the events, with Tweets and Facebook status updates directing the crowds towards him and what he had done. As more

people gather to give him praise it generates increased traffic as others see the hype and wonder what it’s all about.

That wasn’t Jesus’ way.

Jesus’ way is the descending way. Bowing to the will of the Father. Going against popular opinion of what brings glory: fame, power, control. Laying down his life for the glory of God. The descending way is still confusing to those who don’t understand that to gain amazing life one has to lose it (Mark 8:35).

Lose my life. Today, for me, that means rejecting the world’s “five steps to success” and waiting on God’s will for my life. If I succeed in anything, I want it to be in such a supernatural way that it can only be because of God’s grace— so that I can’t boast, only point to the one from whom and to whom all glory comes.

Columns • stewardship today

Grateful for modern-day Calebs

I

O N

DESIGNPICS

recently began another journey through the Scriptures, which offered a fresh look at the story of Caleb. As a young man, he was one of the twelve Israelites sent to spy out Canaan prior to the Israelites’ attack.

Caleb returned with a positive report and faith that God would lead them. The other ten spies swayed the crowd with fear-filled tales. As a result, that entire generation passed away in the wilderness before their children, together with Caleb, successfully entered Canaan.

Over the years, I have heard or seen examples of people singing the “wanna go back to Egypt” song. There are times when I have joined them. People sing that song when they cannot envision how life could be any better than the past. At its worst, singing that song can drown out those with a faithful, hopeful view of the future.

What is left is a group without a vision for the future, going through the motions of life and hoping their church can hold on until they pass away and someone after them will be left to turn out the lights.

However, there are also many Calebs in this world, people who exhibited a strong faith, standing up to the naysayers and declaring a future for the people who trust in God. We routinely meet with people who, in their later years, continue to see God at work and want to be part of the action.

As an MFC Stewardship Consultant, I have been affected by grandparents with limited incomes who earned extra money to share with the church and with their family while they were still alive to see their generosity in action.

I have seen retired individuals volunteering in their church or community, knowing the younger families are too stretched to be able offer their time. I have seen others, well into their senior years, providing wise leadership to churches and organizations, and still others mentoring willing younger leaders in new roles.

The secret to success for many of these Calebs is their willingness to step outside their

comfort zone, facing down their fears, and providing a path for the generations to come. These modern-day Calebs are generous with their time, talents, and financial resources.

Thank you to each Caleb out there who has lived a life of faith and served as a reminder that God is in control. You inspire us to also act in faith, sharing our resources to help establish the kingdom.

by Harold Penner

There are also many Calebs in this world, people who exhibit a strong faith, stand up to the naysayers, and declare a future for the people who trust in God.

Harold Penner is a stewardship consultant in the Winnipeg, Man., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada. For information on impulsive generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Columns • kids’ corner

S

by Loreena Thiessen

Canada's motto "from sea to sea" is found in Psalm 72:8.

Psalm 72 is the prayer on which Canada was formed.

everal things help you think about yourself. One is your name. When you hear your name you look up – that is you, and so you respond.

Another is your family. Your family is where you belong. You are a part of them. You are like them.

Yet another way to think of yourself is where you are from, your country. If you were born in Canada, you are Canadian. As a Canadian you think about things in a unique way. For example, Canada is the second largest country in the world and has lots of space. Likely, you feel more comfortable in large spaces than in crowded places.

Do you live in a large house with a large yard? Perhaps you drive a long distance to the lake or to visit your uncles, aunts and cousins.

You visit big parks, play on big schoolyard playgrounds, and big soccer and baseball fields. If you’re Canadian you use more water than people in other parts of the world and that’s because Canada has a lot of water.

Canada also has many mountains and forests, places with few people and more animals. Many of our coins show the animals that represent Canada, like the moose, the beaver, and the loon.

Canada is a winter country, meaning that it is more cold than hot. And so many words you use are winter words, like toque, parka, mukluks, toboggan, hockey, and igloo. These are Canadian words.

Long ago Canada belonged to Britain and the people thought of themselves as British. Today Canada is independent, meaning that it stands on its own, with its own government and laws.

Today we are not British, we are Canadian.

When Canada was first formed the men in charge chose the motto, in Latin, “A Mari usque ad Mare” – this means “from sea to sea.”

A motto is a short saying which is a rule that guides the actions and ideas of a country. This motto “from sea to sea” is found in Psalm 72: 8

36 The Messenger • July 2014

DESIGNPICS

Who are you?

and it says, “He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”

As our country, Canada, was formed the men in government wanted God to guide them.

Psalm 72 talks about God as the judge, helping the country grow well, protecting the poor and defeating the enemy. It is about honour and praise to God. It is a prayer. This is the prayer on which Canada was formed.

Read Psalm 72.

Activity: Draw the Canadian flag.

Need: A real maple leaf, map of Canada, or a globe, a Bible to read Psalm 72, pencil crayons, drawing paper, photo of the Canadian flag.

Do: Look closely at a real maple leaf; note its points draw a maple leaf in the centre of your drawing paper; the wide side of the paper at the bottom.

Draw two red bars, one at each end of the paper; one red bar stands for the Pacific Ocean, one for the Atlantic.

Look at the map of Canada and locate the provinces and major cities from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

Read Psalm 72:8 as you look at the map.

The Messenger Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362